Toothaches are a common nightmare but then sometimes they signal an intense problem. A root canal is a procedure used to fix an infected or inflamed living tissue of a tooth. It is essential to detect this ailment early to save your teeth because early detection of root canal needs will help you avoid further complications and grave tooth loss.
In this short guide, we will go through the symptoms of a potential root canal and how to make sure that early detection is possible through simple dental care.
Tooth Pulp Issues – Basic Understanding of Root Canal
The tooth pulp comprises nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels. When microorganisms enter the pulp because of deep decay, gum disease, or cracks, the structure gets inflamed or infected. This condition can lead to two potential tooth ailments:
- Abscess: a puss-filled sac that is formed around the root tip because of intense infection.
- Pulpitis: the inflammation of the pulp that causes throbbing or sharp pain in the tooth and jaw.
If these conditions are left untreated, they can result in severe pain and damage to the jawbone, and even the entire tooth is lost.
The Early Symptoms That Require Root Canal Treatment Attention
There are many symptoms that indicate that a root canal is the best treatment. Some of the key symptoms include –
- Constant pain: if you have a nagging toothache that continues for days and weeks, especially when you bite or chew, it is high time that you require a root canal treatment. It is because these signs may indicate pulpitis. The pain that radiates to a jaw, face, or ear further indicates more of the root canal treatment.
- Sensitivity to temperature: if you feel a sharp pain and lingering discomfort after having hot or cold food or beverage, it can indicate a nerve irritation. Such temperature sensitivity may also indicate root canal treatment.
- Discoloration of teeth/gum: a tooth that becomes darker or greyish (and at times, also takes gum with it) can indicate that pulp has a serious issue probably death of the surrounding structure. This firmly indicates root canal as a treatment.
- Swollen gums: when a tooth is affected by infection, it swells the surrounding structure including the gum. Called a gum boil (a pimple-like bump), this symptom is also indicative of a root canal treatment.
- Loose tooth: an intense infection can make a tooth weaker and loose from gum. As a result, the bone supporting the tooth also gets weakened and hence the tooth becomes loose and movable.
Note: it is essential to understand that not everybody experiences all these symptoms because in some cases there could be minimal discomfort. On the other hand, others may have intense pain indicating a root canal treatment. It is crucial to visit a dental clinic regardless of the severity of pain in any case.
The Benefit of Regular Dental Checkups
Early detection is the key to a happy natural smile! The best defense against the requirement of the root canal is prevention. Keeping oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are enough to save you from getting into a grave condition. During these regular checkups, your dentist will carefully observe any abnormalities or changes in your oral cavity. Your dentist will perform these actions –
- Visual examination: your dentist will check for any signs of decay, cracks, or chips.
- Physical examination: by tapping the tooth, your dentist may check for sensitivity and assess gum health.
- Take X-rays: if needed, your dentist may ask you to undergo X-ray screening to identify any inflammation, bone loss, or hidden decay around or within the tooth root. This could indicate root canal treatment.
Early detection means prompt treatment such as filling or placing a crown. This early detection can save you from discomfort, root canal procedures, and costs.
What are The Risk Factors for Root Canals?
While root canal treatments are generally safe because of the latest advancements in technologies in dentistry, there are certain factors that your dentist will mind:
- Deep cavities: if the cavities are left untreated, they deepen causing bacteria to penetrate deep and cause a big damage to the pulp.
- Chipped or cracked teeth: cracked teeth can open up a slit and it can expose the structure for bacteria invasion.
- Frequent dental treatments: extensive dental work can also lead to weakened tooth structure due to constant irritation in the pulp.
- Gum problems: advanced gum diseases can also result in bone exposure and tooth root weakness.
With these risk factors, the treatment of root canals will be complicated. Hence, it is essential that you maintain the best possible oral hygiene and visit a dental clinic regularly for checkups.
Preventing The Need for Root Canals
Some of the essential steps can help you save yourself from getting under the dental procedure:
- Brushing the teeth twice a day can help you avoid most teeth problems.
- Daily flossing is another way to avoid root canal treatment as it removes plaques and food particles from between teeth.
- Healthy diet maintaining a healthy diet by limiting sugar intake and acidic food will contribute to the best health of your teeth.
- Visiting your dentist regularly will solve most problems because regular checking will prevent bigger issues.
Bissan at Your Service
Remember, early detection is the best way to avoid teeth problems and root canal treatment. Regular visits to Bissan Dental and seeing a professional dentist are the key to your healthy teeth. Not only do you avoid such grave issues but also maintain healthy teeth that will help you smile confidently. On the other hand, if you are suffering from any symptoms mentioned above, you can book an appointment with an expert dentist to plan further treatment.